The Tories would increase to four. Labour and the Lib Dems would both double their current one each seat.

The Conservative vote share is up on its 2015 result of 14 per cent but down on other surveys which put it as high as 33 per cent.

But leader Ms Davidson received a higher satisfaction rating than Ms Sturgeon.

Scottish Tory deputy leader Jackson Carlaw said: "It’s clear, after a decade of failure in government and endless damaging agitation on independence, people are beginning to see through Nicola Sturgeon.

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A poll says the backlash comes after over her crusade for independence

"This poll confirms that, in seats all over Scotland, it is the Scottish Conservatives who are best placed to bring the SNP down to size.

"Labour is now too weak, and with Jeremy Corbyn having confirmed he will open discussions with Nicola Sturgeon about a second referendum, they can’t be trusted to stand up against the SNP."

The survey for STV showed support for independence has fallen with 47 per cent in favour and 53 per cent against, versus a previous 50-50 split.

Half of respondents said they were dissatisfied with the way Nicola Sturgeon is doing her job as First Minister, while 46 per cent stated they were satisfied with her performance.

Sturgeon's top moments Fri, December 9, 2016

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in pictures.

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Nicola Sturgeon visits Glaxo Smith Kline.

There was also a slump across a range of key devolved areas. When asked who had the best policies on health and the NHS 34 per cent said the SNP compared to 48 per cent in 2015.

On education this fell from 49 per cent to 34 per cent and on crime stood at 33 per cent down from 33 per cent two years ago.

Theresa May was seen as the “most capable Prime Minister” by 42 per cent of respondents, while 40 per cent said Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Mrs May’s popularity showed an even more dramatic slump than that of Ms Sturgeon.

Ms Davidson's net rating was +5, down 26 from a high of +12; Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale was -2, up 8 compared to -10; and Scottish LibDem leader was +6 and Green Patrick Harvie +12.

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Mrs May’s popularity showed an even more dramatic slump than that of Ms Sturgeon

Scottish Labour campaign manager James Kelly said it was "another encouraging poll" for his party.

He added: "A vote for Labour is a vote to reject a divisive second independence referendum and send Nicola Sturgeon a message to get on with the day job of fixing the crisis in our schools and hospitals."

SNP election campaign manager, Derek Mackay, said: "This poll shows that only a vote for the SNP can keep the Tories out.

"Labour can’t win the election in Scotland – and a vote for them just risks letting a Tory MP in the back door."